BOSCO

This past weekend was the Boise Open Studio Collective's studio tour event. Artists in the group open their studios to visitors.  I decided to go to a few.

On Saturday, the first studio I went to was Amber Conger's.  Her studio is a converted garage. She works with metal and makes large sculptures and some jewelry.  One of her sculptures is in the Meridian City Hall building.

The next studio I visited was Lisa Cheney-Jorgensen's.  Her studio is also a converted garage with different sections.  The part she had open was small, but very well organized.  I could have spent all day there looking through her art journals she had out, looking at all the things in the studio and chatting with Lisa.

Lisa creates art journals and books, makes original prints, works with mixed media and is a graphic designer.  Her dad made her some great flat files for the space and a printing press.  Lisa is so open and sharing with all her work, some of which is very personal.

 

Talking with Lisa and looking at her drawings inspired me in my thinking that I should be doing more drawing.  She draws with a pen.  I usually draw with pencil and then go over with pen if I want that effect.  Encouraged by Lisa, I decided to go home and try drawing with a pen directly.

Here is a simple drawing of a leaf.  I was thinking I would try to draw a leaf a day and also practice my watercolor painting, as I haven't done much of it.

I've posted this on my Facebook Art page and will post any more leaf drawings I do, there.  If you would like to see them, you can become a fan of my art page.

Distracted

We have a local quilt store that has classes.  I haven't taken any in years, but I still get the newsletter and look to see what they are offering.  This month they are having a class to make Bridget's Bagettes. They are little zipper pouches with a clear vinyl window.

I thought they would be useful to make and have.  So, I was planning to sign up for the class. Then I thought that I didn't need to pay $25 to take the class, I could just buy the pattern and do it on my own.

I went online to see what the pattern cost.  Then, I thought that they looked pretty simple and I think I could figure out how to make it on my own.  I planned to get some vinyl at Jo-Ann's while I was there for something else.

On my way to drop off Anna somewhere and then continue on to Jo-Ann's, we saw a sign for a yard sale and stopped.  I saw a pile of clear vinyl lying on the ground in the form of a hanging shoe bag (with loops, not pockets).  The lady said I could have it for 25 cents.  O.k. great! Now I had the vinyl.

The pattern above uses fat quarters to make the bags but I thought I would like to make mine with a heavier fabric.  While I was at Jo-Ann's I found some home decorator fabric that was on sale and I got some zippers.  I was all set.

This week I finally started working on the commission piece I need to complete.  But while working on it, my mind was distracted by trying to figure out how to make the little bag.  I eventually stopped working on the commission piece and started working on the bags.

My first attempt did not work out well because I saw that the home decorator fabric was a little too heavy to do those nice folded over edges in the picture above.  I tried to work with it another way and it was a mess.  I un-sewed it.

I decided I needed to figure out a different way to make it with my fabric and went searching for ideas online.  I found this tutorial.  But I didn't want the zipper on the edge or the vinyl going all the way to the edge and seeing the raw edge on the inside.  All I took from that tutorial was making the little tabs at the end of the zipper they way she did it.

Then, I figured I would just make up my own way to do it.  The second attempt is actually functional, but a little sloppy because I needed to trim the fabric seams more than I did.

Anna told me she needed a new pencil bag.  So, my third attempt is much neater looking and is for her.

The zippers on both of these are 9" long.  They are fairly large.  But I thought it would be good to hold sewing projects for travel, as I usually just use Ziploc baggies.

I hope to make up a little tutorial sometime and post it here for you.  I will also get some smaller zippers and make a different size.

Now that my brain has solved that problem, I can get back to work!

Books

I had my last radiation treatment this week.  Yippee!  To celebrate, I bought myself a new yoga mat.  (My old one is about 14 years old.)  I also ordered some books.  One of them arrived yesterday.

This is a used copy, but it is in great shape.  Andy Goldsworthy is a British artist who works with the elements of nature, weather and place.  He uses what he can find around him when he is out in nature.  Many of his works are only preserved in a photograph he takes, as eventually many of the pieces are destroyed.   For example, his pieces made from ice that melt when the temperature is too warm.

There is a great video about him that I saw on television or Netflix.  I think it is this DVD entitled Rivers and Tides.  We could all learn something about patience and nature from this artist.

Another book I ordered is also about an artist that works with nature, although I wasn't consciously thinking about that theme.  His name is Patrick Doughtery.  This artist created some sculptures at the Boise Art Museum some years ago. Unfortunately, I was out of town when he made them and didn't get to help with the process.

He uses branches he finds from local trees and creates massive sculptural structures, sometimes indoors and sometimes outdoors.  They are really great.  The book is called Stickwork and I haven't gotten it yet.

I also ordered a couple more books and am just waiting for them all to show up.

Reduction Linocut - Part II

The butterfly reduction linocut I did in the workshop was only three colors.  But my friend, Mary, did a four color print that turned out lovely.  Here is the progression.

1st color.

2nd color.  This was on a different paper.

3rd color.

4th color.  Isn't it great?

Reduction Linocut by Mary Donato

Since I only did three colors on my butterfly, I had some extra time on the second day.  I had also
discovered I had some small pieces of linoleum at home.  So when I was finished with the first print, I carved a small design on another linoleum block and printed on my the paper I had leftover from cutting the first pieces down to size.  I did a quick two color print and varied some of the colors as I went along.

I like how these little flowers turned out.  They were quick and fun.  What I realize with the reduction method, though, is that if I want to make more of these flowers, I have to carve another block for the first color.  Or start a new one because I only have the second color design left.

Reduction Linocut

Yesterday, I introduced you to the artwork of our instructor, Mare Blocker, for our Reduction Linocut workshop at Wingtip Press.  Now, I will show you what I made.

I had a hard time trying to decide on a design.  I wanted to do something abstract, like I usually do in my other artwork.  But I couldn't figure out how to do what I wanted.  Since this was my first time attempting a reduction linocut,  I also didn't want it to be too complicated.  I gave up on the two ideas I was contemplating.  Eventually, I pulled out my butterfly book, picked one and drew it.

I transferred the drawing to the linoleum block and started carving.  The first color I printed was yellow. You can see my first color (at the bottom of the picture) along with some others on the drying rack.

After you print as many copies of the first color as you would like, then you carve out more on the same block.  My second color was orange and I knew that I didn't need to ink the whole block because there was only a small section of orange on the butterfly.

You print right over the first layer of color and have to be careful with registration of the paper so you can (hopefully) get things to line up.  Here is one of the prints with the orange on it.

After you do all the prints with the second color, then you go back to the block and carve out more for the next color.  I only did three colors and black was the last.

Below are two of the final prints.  The bottom one has black ink as the last color.  My friend, Mary, suggested I try blue as the last color.  So I did a few with blue (the top one has blue ink).

Since I did not roll the orange all the way over the yellow, when I added the blue, it made the top part of the wing look more greenish and the bottom part of the wing look more brownish because the inks aren't totally opaque (yellow+blue=green, orange+blue=brown).  Here's a closer look.  Which one do you like better?

You can also see that I'm a pretty messy printer with some of the ink getting on the rest of the block and printing.  I don't mind because I can cut these out if I want to use them for anything.

I only did three colors, but some people did four.  I'm sure you could do more than that as well.  I'll show you some more tomorrow.

Printmaking Workshop

This past weekend I took another printmaking workshop at Wingtip Press.  Reduction linocut was taught by Mare Blocker.  Reduction linocut also has the nickname of "suicide" printing.  This is because all the printing is done from one block.  You cut more and more away on the same block with each color.  If you mess up, you can't go back and change it.

Mare Blocker was our instructor.  She lives in Donnelly, Idaho and is a printmaker/book artist. She was a very fun teacher with lots of information.  She also brought many of her own pieces to show as examples.  Here are just a few.

These are all different types of printmaking by Mare Blocker, not just reduction linoleum printing.

 This piece above is actually a book.  It is laid out flat, but can be folded back up into a book.  It then looks something like the picture below.

Here is a close-up of the hand stitching on the paper that Mare did for this piece.

 Below is a set of prints that Mare did to celebrate the 16th anniversary of having her press.  These are reduction linoleum cut prints in two colors.  I think the set is really nice and is a good example of what can be done with just two colors.

 This example is the cover of a book with different printing techniques along with hand stitching.  I really like the colors of this piece, the stitching and the energy that the swirls create.

Tomorrow I'll post what I did in the workshop, which doesn't come near the quality of these.

Maverick 12's

Today is the reveal day for the Twelve by Twelve group's latest theme, Maverick.  Once again, I did not create a "play-along" piece for this theme.  It was a pretty hard theme to think about and I had no ideas.  Plus, I had some other things on my mind.

But the Twelve x Twelve group has come up with some very interesting interpretations of the theme.  Take a look here.

Tomorrow I will tell you about the workshop I took this weekend.

Initial Point Gallery

In December, my friend, Kathleen Probst, and I will be having a two person exhibition entitled Textiles x Two at the Initial Point Gallery in Meridian, Idaho.  I had another two person exhibition in the space in 2010.  The other artist was assigned to share the space with me by the Meridian Arts Commission, which runs the gallery.

Last week, I went back to the space to get some measurements and refresh my memory.   It was a good thing because I have been thinking about creating a three dimensional piece that would hang from the ceiling and then saw that wasn't going to be possible.

Last time, we did not use any of the pedestals in the space.  Currently, they are using them for some ceramic pieces made by artist Helen Granger Wilson.  I am thinking that I could put a few small pieces on one because they are covered and would be secure.

Ceramic works by Helen Grainger Wilson

The two artists currently showing are Helen Grainger Wilson and Patricia Fennell.  Grainger Wilson has the ceramic pieces, as well as two dimensional artworks on the wall.  Patricia Fennell has watercolor paintings.

Back Light by Patricia Fennell

I'm excited for our exhibition in December and think Kathleen's and my artwork will complement each other's.  Now,  I just have to decide what will be in the show.

On My Desk

Fiber Artist Emily Barletta

I have a list of blogs I like to read.  One of them is written by Terry Jarrard-Dimond.  She often writes about other artists or art shows.  Recently, she talked about seeing the Art/Sewn exhibit at the Asheville Art Museum.  Terry listed several of her favorite artists from the show and provided links to their sites.

One of the links I followed from her blog introduced me to fiber artist, Emily Barletta.  Her art is amazing in its detail and amount of patience probably required to produce it.  The pieces I first came across and really liked were some works on paper, which are listed as her most recent works on her website.

Untitled (2), 2011 by Emily Barletta

18 x 24"

(pictures posted with permission of the artist)

These are all stitches on paper.  Having done quite a bit of hand stitching myself,  I can imagine how long these pieces must have taken. The work probably goes even slower than stitching on fabric because the hole first has to be made in the paper and then care taken to make sure the paper doesn't tear or buckle while stitching.  This piece reminds me of hieroglyphics.

Barletta's signature color seems to be red, but there are several pieces with more subtle, neutral colors. 

Untitled (24), 2012 by Emily Barletta

14.25 x 15.75"

The above artwork almost makes me want to take up cross stitching again.  I like how the x's are varied in size in some areas to create more movement in the lines and give it a more organic feel.

Many of Barletta's other artworks are more dimensional and textural in nature by using crochet stitching and yarn.

Spill, 2006 by Emily Barletta

33 x 50 x 2"

I hope someday I can see some of Emily Barletta's work in person.  I'm sure the detail could be even more appreciated in person.

More Color Blocks

I just had to make another one. (Still ignoring the to-do list.) Sometimes it's just easier to make another piece than to put the fused fabric scraps away.

This piece still needs the stitching as well.  It will get trimmed down on the sides.  I like the rhythm in this one.

I'm creating a backlog of stitching for myself.  That's o.k.

I think the pieces will all look a little different whenever I do get around to the stitching.

Rebelling

Yesterday morning I found out that I have to have an extra week of radiation that I didn't know about.  Apparently when they told me six weeks, that was just the general idea and it can vary (wish they would explain that to the patient).  I've been crossing off days and counting down.

I was all mentally prepared for my last day to be next Monday.  It was quite a shock to find out otherwise.  I was not happy.  I came home and was in a funk.  I didn't feel like doing anything.  I am already physically tired every day now, but in addition, I was mentally tired.

I wanted to just go back to bed and stay there all day.  But that wouldn't do me any good.  I could just read my book I need to finish for book club.  However, it isn't my favorite and I didn't feel like doing that.  It was too smoky outside to veg on the hammock.

A to-do list is always waiting for me each day, but I wasn't in the mood.  Instead, I decided to rebel against all the things that needed to be done and "played" instead.   Call it art therapy, if you will.  I went to my sewing studio, pulled out some fabrics that were already fused and started a new artwork.

When I make these small fused pieces, I don't start out with any ideas.  I just get some colors together and then start cutting and arranging shapes.  In the morning, I got one piece put together.  It still needs the machine stitching and maybe some hand stitching.

Later, a delivery guy came to drop off decking material.  Since he was by himself, I helped him unload the boxes. Afterward, I was even more wiped out and instead of returning to my to-do list.  I went back into the studio and fused another piece.  It also still needs machine and maybe hand stitching.

Can you guess which piece I did in the morning and which in the afternoon?

It is interesting how my mood affected these pieces (in a subconscious way).  I think it is obvious the first one is the one I made in the morning.  It is kind of dark and dynamic with a strong red. There are some angles and sharp points (that might have come from some anger, perhaps). Changes in line direction create drama.

The second one was created in the afternoon after I had some time to calm down after my unpleasant news.  The colors are softer.  Lines are flowing and shapes are curved.  Repeated horizontal lines create a calmer effect.

I was not thinking of any of these things when I was making the pieces.  I was just intuitively cutting and placing, thinking about design elements.

Now, I might have to set these aside for awhile and get back to "the list."  Or maybe make a few more.

Artist Interview

At my artist reception last week, one of the BSU students working on the student newspaper (and online site) interviewed me about my artwork.

She sent me a link to the online article here.  It was interesting to read, as she took the perspective of not many students coming to the event.  I liked hearing what the couple of students who did show up had to say about it.

BSU art students are very fortunate to have so much art available to view within walking distance of them.  There is the space where Color Fields is currently hanging.  In the same building at the other end  is another gallery type space.  There is a gallery space in the Liberal Arts building as well as the Hemingway Center.  If that wasn't enough, they could walk across the bridge, over the river, to the Boise Art Museum.  And if they still didn't have enough inspiration, they could go to any of the galleries or other places downtown to view art (lots of public art).  They should take advantage of it.

I went to college in a small town.  There was one gallery on campus and I can't recall that there was any in town within walking distance.

Urban Landscape

Here is a piece that I made about a month or two ago for someone who requested it.  It is called Urban Landscape II.  It is very similar to a piece I made several years ago called Urban Landscape, which was sold.  That artwork was part of a series of four which also included Wilderness, Rural Landscape and Suburban Landscape.  Urban Landscape II now resides with the other three pieces in the series to make it complete.  I am happy they are all together in a good home.

Urban Landscape II 

machine pieced, fused appliqué,

hand embroidery, machine quilted

©2012 Lisa Flowers Ross

Sold

Here is a detail of the hand embroidery.

Urban Landscape

machine pieced, fused appliqué,

hand embroidery, machine quilted

©2009 Lisa Flowers Ross

Sold

I think this series was what started me stitching the hand embroidered "circle trees" motif, which I have used in some other pieces since then.  They will continue to show up in my artwork.  You can tell I was a little more optimistic in Urban Landscape II by adding a few more trees in the city.

Two Firsts

As we get older and acquire more experiences, there aren't as many "firsts" in our lives.  But yesterday I experienced two.

My friend, from California, was in town visiting and I had made an appointment for both of us to have foot massages in the morning.  I have never had a foot massage, or a professional massage of any kind. So this was a first.  It was nice and weird at the same time.  I will consider going back.

In the late afternoon, we attended the artist reception for my exhibition, entitled Color Fields, at the Boise State University Special Events Center.  It is my first solo exhibition (and solo artist reception).

BSU provided some nice refreshments and did everything to prepare for the event.  I just had to show up.  There was a great turnout.  Mostly people I already know, but I also met a few new people as well.  I think I talked for two hours straight, which is a lot for me (except for when a good, old friend who I don't see very often is visiting).

It was good, but this morning I was exhausted.  I had taken my camera with me, but I did not have any time to take pictures.  However, some of my friends did.  The exhibition is up until January.

Plum Crazy

I have a plethora of purple prune plums to pit and process.

They look silvery from the reflections when you first put them in water. Very cool.

Art in the Park

The Art in the Park event was held this past weekend.  We rode our bikes down Saturday to check out the goods.

I thought these cabinets made from recycled items were nice.

This was an interesting idea to build your own sculpture (by stacking different ceramic pieces). I think they could have taken the idea even further.

You never know who's going to show up.

SAQA Auction

The Studio Art Quilt Associates' benefit auction started today.  You can view the first group up for bids here.  All the artwork is 12 x 12".  If you want to place a bid, be sure to read how the auction works.  The price goes down every couple of days.  But if you wait too long, someone else might get the piece before you.

There are several different groups starting at different times.  So if you miss out on something in the first group, you can try again in another group.

For example, here is a piece in the first group that I liked and it has already sold.

Fantastical Garden by Gillian Moss

The piece that I donated is going to be for auction at the International Quilt Festival in Houston.  You can view it online (look at one of the small lines at the beginning of the page) but you have to be there in person to bid on it.

Stitching

Here is a detail of some of the free motion stitching on the piece I was working on last week.

Ketchum Cover Art

Terry asked this about my design for the Ketchum utility box:
"Is the skin for the utility box a photograph of the piece? Just wondering if the stitching shows on it. I hope it does!"

Yes, the vinyl wrap for the box is made from a photograph of the artwork.  I think you can tell from this photo a co-worker of Frank's took that the stitching does show up.

Maybe it will be a little more noticeable in the winter.